REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
A PERFECT COUNTRY HAVEN By AP Connolly
n impressive country retreat with a modern rustic flair set on nearly five acres, 358 Lukes Wood Road in New Canaan, Connecticut is nothing short of stunning. The luxurious estate features a seven-bedroom, 14,000-square-foot colonial home along with a guest cottage, detached barn with an indoor basketball court, gunite pool, pool pavilion and tennis court. Understated elegance defines the approach to this circa-1941 home recently restored by the nationally acclaimed architecture firm of Shope Reno Wharton, with interior design by Marsha Russell of Satinwood, Ltd. and landscape by Hollander Design. “As you enter the magnificent estate, you are quickly aware of the high level of design,” said Wendy Brainard, one of the listing brokers from William Raveis Real Estate. “From the French-imported reclaimed oak floors, to the handcrafted steel windows and doors, to the layers and textures of unexpected materials, every room is a moment, punctuated by dramatic lighting and unbelievable views of the expansive grounds.” “It is a perfect country haven where privacy abounds in a bespoke setting that enchants every sense,” adds Heidi Poisella, co-listing broker. “Buyers are looking for retreats today, and this home delivers on multiple levels.”
UNIQUE FEATURES
OUTDOOR SPLENDOR
The heart and soul of any home, the kitchen and breakfast room are an eye-catching mix of elegant natural stone and distinctive wood accents. Double is the trend here with double islands, double ovens and double dishwashers to meet every entertaining need. For wine lovers and serious collectors, there is a 500-bottle, climate-controlled wine cellar ready for stocking.
In an effort to bring the outdoors in, the current owner added a glass-walled sun room, complemented by a rough stone floor. It is the perfect spot to sneak away for a quiet moment and bask in natural light and views, or enjoy a favorite show on a television that rises out of a hiding space when not in use.
One of the top priorities for homebuyers today is the reimagined home office and this estate offers several options. There is a multi-purpose room that doubles as a home office and a second computer office with easy access between the kitchen and mudroom. On the second floor, the Master Suite immediately draws you in with a stunning stone fireplace as the focal point, along with a vaulted ceiling, a sitting area saturated with light and views of the magnificent property with French doors opening up to an expansive outdoor hardwood deck. It also boasts hisand-hers bathrooms with spa showers and a soaking tub. Both bathrooms feature iron-framed windows and doors with natural wood vanities for the special feel of a rustic and luxurious home-spa retreat.
Within the exquisite landscape, this home offers the coveted outdoor lifestyle so many people are seeking today. This is truly resort-like living at its best with a premium gunite pool and spa surrounded by a hardwood deck and elevated pavilion, along with a stunning tennis court and an indoor basketball court. “While luxurious and spacious, this home also exudes warmth without being cavernous,” says Brainard. “It truly exceeds the usual trends of residential design and finishings while complementing the long history of innovative design seen throughout New Canaan.” Located 40 miles from midtown Manhattan, New Canaan, Conn. is an idyllic, leafy suburb with award-winning schools, beautiful architecture and a bustling downtown with a neighborhood vibe. A family-oriented community with more than 20,000 residents, New Canaan has seen its real estate market soar in 2020, specifically due to an influx of city dwellers seeking more space and all the unique features of a suburban lifestyle. For more information on this property and William Raveis Real Estate, visit raveis.com. •
50 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020